For those of you who have been sending me your blood and sweat in poetic-form for the last few months, I must apologize. I have been toiling in the province of Alberta for bread and gold, and have neglected to respond in a timely manner to my beloved friends. Let there be no mistake: I am still alive and will be for at least as long as it takes me to post your work. Thank you for your patience, and I am truly sorry for the consternation and upheaval I surely must be responsible for.

I have been reading David Copperfield lately, the classic by Charles Dickens. I am now convinced more than ever that, 1) it has become a "classic" for good reason and, 2) you too should consume his books with feverish desperation, then consume them again in a manner very resemblant to that of bovines.

I would be foolish if I failed to mention that I have a book coming out very soon, co-authored with my good friend Ian McPhail. The title is So Many Shepherds. Watch the skies!

Much love, Hamnet.